Bagpipes and Bullshot

by Janice Horton

When Innes Buchanan inherits the title of Laird, he is entrusted with the Scottish family estate, the ancestral home, and centuries of noble tradition. Sadly, he also inherits the family bank balance which, after death duty, is crumbling faster than the walls of their ancient castle.
After exhausting even the most unlikely of cash generating alternatives and with bankruptcy on the horizon, Innes stumbles across one last initiative, a research scholarship in Texas to establish a new herd of cattle. With a lifetime of sheep farming and no room for failure, Innes's luck returns on a chance encounter with Orley MacKenna, a born and raised Texan cowgirl who needs little convincing to leave her past behind. Though a likely couple, the two settle for an unlikely business partnership, and return to Scotland to try and save the Buchanan fortune.
Told with timeless Scottish romanticism and a knowing sense of humour, Bagpipes and Bullshot twists an everyday love story with a whole cast of village eccentrics who integrate seamlessly into a fantastic play on rural life.

Genres: Scotland

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2011

About the author

Janice Horton, also known as the backpacking housewife, writes contemporary romantic fiction with a dash of humour and a sense of adventure. Once her three children had grown up, Janice and her backpacking husband sold their empty nest in Scotland UK along with almost everything they owned and set off to travel the world. Since then they have been travelling full-time and have explored over 50 countries, living out of an apartment, a hut, or wherever they happen to find themselves.

Janice works as a writer wherever she is in the world. When not writing bestselling romantic adventure novels, she writes lifestyle and travel features for her website and her work has also featured in national and international magazines like ‘Prima’ in the UK and ‘Friday’ in Dubai. She has also been involved in BBC Scotland’s Write Here Write Now project and has been interviewed on many podcasts and radio shows including Loose Women’s Kaye Adams’ prime time BBC Radio Scotland Show.

Look out for her latest romantic adventure novel and escape to a tropical paradise in this epic story of hidden pasts and family secrets: 'Island in the Sun' (published January 2019)

Janice writes for HarperCollins Publishers. Janice signed a three-book deal with HarperImpulse - the romance imprint of HarperCollinsUK for 'The Backpacking Housewife' (published July 2018) and two more backpacking romantic adventure novels including a sequel 'The Next Adventure' (July 2019) and a third title to be published later in 2019.

Her backlist of bestselling romantic adventure novels include: 'Bagpipes and Bullshot' and 'Reaching for the Stars' and 'Castaway in the Caribbean' - a #1 Kindle Bestseller shortlisted for the prestigious Love Story Awards.

Janice also writes under the author name of Janey Travis. Look out for her fun romantic comedy 'I Need a Doctor'. “Just the right sprinkling of romance and humour” says Brook Cottage Books.

Janice keeps in touch with her readers on social media and from her website at: https://thebackpackinghousewife.com/

Reviews

[Kerry Kilmister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I won this book and I had not read a book by Janice Horton before. This book told about Orley, a young woman living in Texas who had yearned to go to Scotland for as long as she could remember. Then she meets Innes, a gorgeous Scottish Laird who offers her the job of a lifetime in Scotland working with him on his estate. She is unsure whether to go as her past hangs over her like a dark cloud but she is desperate to escape. She is also confused as to where her relationship with Innes really stands - is she his girlfriend working for him or does he just see her as an employee?

Orley takes the chance to travel to Scotland and is soon captivated by all she sees. But everything was not as she expected. The estate is in a state of financial ruin, Innes holds a secret that he did not tell her and all is depending on her expertise to save the Buchanan fortune. Throw in a hostile neighbour, Innes mother and a series of accidents all twisted in with her Scottish romance with Innes and you find yourself with a captivating story.

This book took me two days to read - I literally could not put it down. I fell in love with Scotland again through Orleys eyes and I was willing her romance with Innes to work, despite everything that was against them. This book is full of romance, history and laughs. It is definitely a book that once you pick up you can't put down until you are finished.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The attraction between Innes and Orley is clear from the start and it just gets hotter once the action moves to Scotland! These are two people with minds of their own and different ideas who can’t resist each other. I really liked Innes a man willing to try anything to keep his home and heritage safe. And the book has shaggy Highland cows and bagpipes too, plus a scheming ex and interfering mother to liven things up.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab story cut crap ending

[Rea Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I have to say about this book is I absolutely loved the relationship between our two main characters Orley and Innes. Although they are two worlds apart the relationship between the two of them is so delicate which helped to make the whole book such a “cosy” read. Both Orley and Innes are two worlds apart and it is lovely to read about their relationship blossom throughout the book as they face some challenging times.

I was so gripped from the first page of this book and I felt like I had been reading for so long and when I clicked the page it then said chapter 1 !! All I could think was if I am this gripped on just the Prologue I can see that this is going to be a hard book to put down. The story is a great romantic read that has a light hearted humour to it.

What stuck out to me was the creative writing style that Janice Horton uses to set the scene in Scotland. I for one have never visited Scotland but after reading this book I feel as if I know the place already. Clearly Janice Horton is in love with her home town and that shows in this book.

I loved each and every character in this novel apart from Davina who is a spoilt little minx! As the book flowed along I was unsure what she was going to get upto next each time you think her actions cannot get any worse they soon do!

The one thing that I always look for in a book is the suspense factor. I do not like to know at the beginning of the book what is going to happen in the end. A book will only ever get a 5 star from me if the book is not predictable...... Well done Janice Horton you have got the 5 star from me. What more can I ask for in a book, romance, light humour, descriptive writing and the suspense.

This is definatley worth a read on a Sunday afternoon with a nice cuppa as this is my little “cosy” read.
Review is also on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com

[Sheryl Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are so impressed by the important but unobtrusive detail of the story, you find yourself assuming the author has experience of the subject she is writing about, you know you are settling into a good book. Janice Horton has clearly done her research, all kudos to her.

So, to the story: The impressive, but rundown, Buchanan Estate needs a large injection of cash. Laird Innes Buchanan therefore seems duty-bound to marry into the wealthy neighbouring McKenzie family. Indeed, as far as his intended, the beautiful but manipulative Davina McKenzie is concerned, Innes is hers, bar the actual ceremony, which she immediately sets about arranging. Small problem, Innes doesn’t love her. His younger brother does. Deciding not to go through with the marriage, Innes embarks on a mission to save the estate by other means. To this end, he enlists the help of Texan cattle expert, Orley McKenna, to help him breed a hardy new herd of cattle, which might eventually generate enough income to sustain them. Innes, though, admires Orley for more than her brains and sassiness. He’s fallen for her, big time, and Orley’s heart belongs to Innes.

The course of true love never did run smooth though. Not only does Orley have to contend with disapproving Lady Buchannan’s haughty frostiness, local gossip, and the unforgiving climate of the Scottish Highlands, she also has to survive the vengeful plotting of a woman scorned: Davina, who still believes herself to be engaged to Innes, and whom Innes has neglected to mention.

All the elements for a terrific story, then. Throw some humorous escapades into the plot and some beautifully descriptive writing around the geography – and you have a hugely satisfying read. Loved it!

[Louise Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bagpipes and Bullshot is the first novel by Janice Horton. This is a story of a Laird, Innes Buchanan in desperate need to save his ancestral home, a large estate in Scotland that is crumbling around him and bankruptcy fast approaching if he doesn't come up with something to save it. Whilst researching a new initiative and researching how to breed Cattle in Texas, Innes meets Orley MacKenna. A cow-girl who is a deeply suspicious and an untrusting person!

Can Innes convince Orley to come to Scotland and help establish these new breed of cattle on his Estate? Can Orley trust someone enough to travel across the Ocean and start a new life where she can truly be happy? Can they both move on from their past?

Janice has written a fantastic story full of beautifully descriptive imagery that makes you actually feel like you there! It is extremely clear that Janice knows the area very well and has an excellent knowledge of cattle farming.

Some great and very different characters with lots of comedy but also honest and moving elements in places. This really is RomCom at it's best in a rural setting. A seemless and easy read that will not disappoint in any way. (You also get to find out what A bullshot is, if like me you had no idea!!)

Janice's next book will be called Reaching for the Stars which I can't wait to read if it is as good as this!

You can follow Janice on twitter @JaniceHorton or read more about her via her website www.janicehortonwriter.blogspot.com . Janice is also a member of the www.loveahappending .co.uk group of which I am proud to be an Associated Reader for.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oley first meets Innes when Innes plays the bagpipes at her mother’s wedding. After a few dates they have grown to really care for each other. But, Innes must go back to Scotland. Not ready to let Oley go he asks her to be his cattle manager and come to Scotland with him. Oley’s first instinct is to say no but after some thought about what she needs and wants she agrees. When Oley arrives to Scotland she wasn’t expecting what she saw. Innes is a Laird and lives in a large home. As Oley spends more time with Innes and his Scottish estate she begins to fall hard for both. But, there are things conspiring against them to thwart their happiness. It gets so rough that Oley almost loses everything. Can Innes and Oley fight against those who wish them harm or will their love crumble like the buildings on Innes’ estate?

I loved this book. Its both entertaining and addicting. Innes and Oley’s love story is so sweet and natural. What woman wouldn’t want a Scottish Laird to come sweep them off their feet. It was fun to see the opposites attract work in their favor. With Oley and her work and Innes and his they should want completely different people but in reality they are perfect for one another. The story takes you from Texas to Scotland and that in itself is a fantastic aspect to the story. I also love the element of intrigue that is within the story. The factors fighting Innes and Oley being together add a wonderful roller coaster ride. Overall, this was a fantastic read that I fell in love with. Anyone who likes a good love story with a few hurdles will adore this story.

[Melanie Robertson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orley McKenna is an American cowgirl. Innes Buchanan is the Laird of a run down Scottish estate who is in the state of Texas looking to save his home from ruin by seeking out a cattle expert to help him breed a hardy new herd back home.

By the time he returns to Scotland he's found his new cattle expert - Orley - but to complicate matters, he's fallen in love with her.

Back home, Davina MacKenzie waits for Innes to return. They have been arranged in marriage and she is determined to see it through even though his plans no longer include her. Lady MacBeth has nothing on Davina when it comes to what lengths she'll go to in order to marry a man with a title.

Fergus, Innes's younger brother is madly in love with Davina and would do anything for her, until he discovers her secret. But she isn't the only one with something to hide.

Janice Horton keeps you riveted from the beginning. She portrays the beauty of the Gulf Coast of Texas and the ruggedness of Scotland with her descriptive narrative in addition to keeping you wondering what's going to happen next.

Bagpipes & Bullshot is a definite "feel-good" book and it is impossible not to laugh out loud at some of the situations she throws her characters into.

Highly recommended!

[Dorothy Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story by Janice Horton. The premise is fresh; who would think to pair a Scottish Laird (Innes Buchanan) and a Texas cow-girl (Orley McKenna)? The result of this unlikely pairing is a humourous romp through Texas and Scotland. We all know life doesn't run smoothly and Janice has used that fact of life in this story. Being a Laird has its responsibilities, owning ancestral lands and ancient home takes money which isn't easily earned and then this Laird meets a woman that turns him upside down.

Their burgeoning romance throws a hard-ball at a local young lady who had her sights set on that very same Laird. But said lady (who isn't one - by the way - in any sense of the word) can throw a few hard-balls of her own, and she does. There is plenty of drama and manipulation through-out, lots of tongue-in-cheek humour as well as laugh-out-loud parts.

This is a great light read.. sure to please both romance readers and those who like humour.

I wondered about the bullshot - now I know ;)

Thanks Janice Horton for a great escape read.

[Linn Halton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and games when Scotland meets Texas.....

From the pheasant shoot where 'the sky rained birds' to the wonderful 'Bullshot' whiskey with Worcestershire sauce, it's a taste of Scotland. Add in Orley - a Texan gal mesmerised by Laird Innes..... and what you have is a fun read with characters who leave you hoping for that happy ending. With waspish Davina intent on .. well, murder.... and Fergus, Innes brother, starry eyed and hoping Davina will love him instead of his brother.... how will it all turn out? My lips are sealed, but every step of the way you will find yourself caught up in the wonderful story as author Janice builds up to her finale!

[Kit Domino · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you read page one, you know you are in for something different and in Bagpipes and Bullshot you are not disappointed. Janice Horton has written a fun read with a lovely sense of wit and fun. Her style is her own, her characters alive and believable. I won't tell you the plot, I won't spoil it for you, and if I say I was disappointed when I got to the end it because I didn't want to stop reading about these characters. Cheers, Miss Horton, for giving us a lovely read and eagerly await your next

[Joanna Gawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read which held my attention. Innes is a fab male lead, and I found Orley to be extremely likable. The supporting characters are memorable (some because of their terrible antics, which I'm not sure I'd have forgiven!) and it's always a joy to read a book set in beautiful Scotland . . . although you won't catch me bathing naked in a burn like one character did (go on, guess which one . . .)

I liked the way 'Lady Macbeth' was woven into the storyline, too.

I'll be looking out for more novels from Janice Horton.

[Talli Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland and Texas? Bagpipes and bullshot?

After reading the novel's blurb, I was instantly intrigued to see how such disparate elements could work together. Author Janice Horton didn't let me down! The Scottish setting comes alive through wonderful descriptions, and the plot is packed full of fun. Horton's great sense of humour shines through her skilfully drawn characters. A brilliantly entertaining read!

[Pauline Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bagpipes & Bullshot is a great read. It has wonderful characters, Orley from Texas and Innes a Laird in Scotland, what a combination! And of course there is Davina, a true minx as poor Orley soon finds out. Bagpipes & Bullshot will make you laugh, but at the end of the day, it is a lovely romantic story. I loved it.

[Lynn Latimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun Texas/Scottish romance and a good bargain on Kindle for $1.25. I had to laugh though because the author the heroine, Orley, flying nonstop from Galveston, Texas to Glasgow: ain't gonna happen in this lifetime.

[Miriam Wakerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light easy-to-read rom-com is just what you need sometimes, something to make you smile. I learned a few things too - about cattle-breeding for example and some tongue-in-cheek takes on the Scottishness of Scotland!

[Julie (73) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this and would love to see a sequel. A page turning easy read with a bit of comedy and a great baddie in Davina!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with some good twists in it. Loved learning a bit about Scottish history. Good characters too.